Wastewater Permits
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO OBTAIN AN ON-SITE WASTEWATER PERMIT
TYPES OF WASTEWATER SYSTEMS AVAILABLE IN SEDGWICK COUNTY
There are three types of on-site wastewater systems available in Sedgwick County. They are septic systems, lagoons and alternative advanced treatment systems. The required soil testing and soil survey, along with groundwater depth information will determine the type of system to be installed as well as construction standards for that system. Each system is designed not only to dispose of wastewater but treat it, in order to protect the natural resources of Sedgwick County.
Wastewater Service Providers Serving Sedgwick County
Septic Systems are typically installed in areas where the soil is generally sandy. A passing percolation rate of 0-60 minutes /inch is required in order to install a septic system. In cases where there are environmental concerns a higher level of treatment may be required. Septic System Maintenance Information
Lagoons are constructed on lots with soils with higher clay content. A failing percolation rate of 60+ minutes/inch indicates lagoon soils. The minimum lot size for lagoon installation is five acres with a minimum width of 250’. On some older platted additions with lots less than five acres and soils better suited for lagoons, a septic system or alternative will be required. Lagoon Maintenance Information
Alternative Advanced Treatment Systems are systems that treat the wastewater to a higher quality, and it is then dispersed into the soil for final treatment and disposal. The typical dispersal method will be some type of pressurized distribution. These systems may be required in all types of soils due to environmental issues. They are also an option where a standard septic system will not work.
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Soil testing results.
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Floodplain information and minimum pad if any.
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A detailed site plan.
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Type of water supply.
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Number of bedrooms in residence.
*IF ANY WAIVERS OR RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS ARE NEEDED THEY WILL NEED TO FILED AND COPIES PROVIDED TO THIS OFFICE BEFORE ANY PERMITS WILL BE ISSUED.
If property has been platted much of this information will be on file. However if it is unplatted acreage, before a wastewater permit can be issued you will need to determine the status of that property. There are many questions to be answered,
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Does it need to be platted?
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Are there any floodplain issues that need to be resolved?
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Is there a minimum pad elevation for the structure?
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What soils work needs to be done for the wastewater system?
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Is all the required documentation complete and recorded, (if required).
Homeowner’s may not pull a wastewater permit, a licensed wastewater installer must pull the wastewater permit. All wastewater systems must be installed by a licensed wastewater installer.
Properties which are located within 400 feet of public sewer are required to hook up to these services. If this is not feasible then a variance may be required in order to obtain a permit for an on-site wastewater system.
If sewer is not available then a permit for an on-site wastewater system must be obtained from Sedgwick County Code Enforcement. This includes permits for reconstruction or replacement of existing systems. For new construction a wastewater permit must be obtained before County Code Enforcement will issue a building permit.
SOIL TESTING: Sedgwick County requires soil testing to be completed for all parcels of land for new construction. Soil testing that may be required are boreholes, soil profiles, and percolation testing. This testing is to be performed by a professional, experienced in these testing procedures. In order to obtain a list of approved professionals please contact this office. All soil testing is to be done in the area proposed for the on-site wastewater system. & outside of all floodplains and easements.
A homeowner may apply for a waiver from these requirements if they feel that adequate testing has been completed on the property around them. Contact Sedgwick County Code Enforcement for specifics. For platted properties the soil testing is typically complete and the type of wastewater system for each lot is already determined. In some cases additional testing may be required. This information is then used to determine the construction standards for the wastewater system
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT THE SEDGWICK COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF CODE ENFORCEMENT, 1144 S. SENECA, WICHITA, KANSAS 67213 (316) 660-1840
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